Interviewing for a job that's $20K less than my previous position but I'd have the opportunity to work from home.

21 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 2,2025 at 7:24PM UTC

   Do YOUR math. Your priorities and goals are unique so look at the whole picture and determine what will add the most value to your life. It's not all about money. You need to look at value. What gets you closer to your ideal life.

2. AnonymousJanuary 2,2025 at 7:27PM UTC

   I took my current role years ago making way less. The benefits are great and yes, I had to adjust my living style but turned out much happier. I needed the paycheck and insurance. I hated it in the beginning but have eased back up some financially and enjoy the time off. Maybe worth a shot to take something then keep looking for better pay but the market is volatile. A bird in the hand they say.

3. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 3:09AM UTC

   If the salary is clearly stated in the ad or after a conversation with the hiring manager or recruiter (presuming that's how you know it's 20k lower) and you definitely want/need this position, I would not try to negotiate on this one. I'm always up front with people on the salary range (and include it in my job postings). If someone requests above the listed salary, I'm going to presume they have reading comprehension difficulties and/or lack attention to detail, either of which would be prohibitive to success on my team. Proceed very cautiously because it's easy for them to move on to the next choice.

4. Adan ChohanJanuary 3,2025 at 1:47PM UTC

   Hello

   I Want jobs in European countries because I'm freelancer

5. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 2:44PM UTC

   i'm currently working from home and this is a new thing for me in the last 5 months......when I consider that my car doesn't leave the driveway, I can wear a simple outfit (on screen part of day) and I just go upstairs to work, wow wow wow. I'd say take the job; I dont think you'll miss the pay difference that much!

6. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 5:21PM UTC

   OP: Thank you and I'm inclined to accept the offer if afforded the role. It doesn't have to be long term but it's better to get back to work than the prolonged search. While disappointed in the reduction in pay, I wouldn't need to commute in winter weather!

7. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 1:31PM UTC

   I took a job offer that is remote, with the recommendation that I come in during once a month collaboration days.The positions pays $11K less than my previous position. I accepted the offer with the belief that a paycheck is better than looking for months for a position. It was a practical decision and I thought that cutting corners wouldn’t hurt so much. Wrong. It’s been painful. I am single, with no other source income, and I am living paycheck to paycheck. I started April 1, 2024 and I just learned there won’t be a salary review until June 2025! Negotiate for more money if you can because you just don’t know what unexpected expenses will come up. Since accepting the position, I’ve had to get the AC fixed in my car, the medical insurance my company offers is $120 more and I have more co-pays. It all adds up. Try to negotiate if you can because that’s a big paycut,

8. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 1:47PM UTC

   About 18-months ago I took a job with a 20k pay cut and a hybrid schedule versus fully remote and I honestly don’t regret. This brought my salary down to 80k from 100k, but it was still enough for me live more or less comfortably with some adjustment. I’m interviewing now for new roles with other orgs with higher salaries than I was initially making (100-125k), and in convinced its because I didn’t have a long employment gap and I was able to add more accomplishments to my resume with my current employer. If you can manage the pay cut, be strategic about your time there. After a few months, you should know if you want to stay long term or if you’re just passing through. Then decide your next steps accordingly. It’s much easier to find a job when you have a job. Good luck to you.

9. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 1:46AM UTC

   If the role is aligned with your career interests and you like the culture and potential there take the job. If you wouldn't consider it because its far less than what you made before don't go through the process to try to get them to pay you more. They clearly have told you their budget. Working from home means no commutes and a certain amount of freedom to come and go and that has a value as well. Good luck.

10. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 1:19PM UTC

    The question is can you afford the drop in pay? 20k sounds like a lot but that's very dependent on what you mad before. If you made 120k and the new role is 100k, that might be ok. If you made 40k and the new role is 20k, that may be a whole different kettle of fish.

    And then weigh the costs of commute (gas, wear and tear on the car), time spent getting ready and driving, lunches or breakfast on the road, time away from loved ones.

    For some it's worth it. For others it might not be.

11. Dianne AJanuary 6,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

    If you are really happy at home, alone, with less pay, do it...20,000 tax wise is nothing it's like maybe 7000 at payroll at the end of the year which is probably what you would spend commuting....it doesn't hurt to try, and in the mean time you can look for something else that might catch your eye OR freelance with AI at home or make some ETSY graphic things...just truly be happy ? it also is going to suck commuting during winter and being home right now with all these presidential changes, seems personally safer...

12. TomJanuary 6,2025 at 1:52PM UTC

    I think you have a good perspective here. The only comment I would make is not to undersell yourself. I agree the WFH is a great benefit and one I have myself now in my gig work. But, 20K is a lot of green so you may want to try to close that gap.

13. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

    If unable to negotiate higher pay, see whether they will cover your cell phone and internet (as part of compensation package). These are technically work supplies, and an out of pocket costs that can add up.

14. Jami FarkasJanuary 6,2025 at 2:42PM UTC

    Coming from and HR and comp perspective, companies today are unlikely to cover these costs completely, as you would have a cell phone and internet whether or not you had that job. Some may offer a small stipend. However, you can claim those costs (or at least a portion of them) on your tax returns as business expenses and they can be tax exempt. You can also claim the space that you use for your home office. So there are still some savings. If the job is fully remote, many employers do offer a one-time stipend to set up your office. You could negotiate for that rather easily.

15. Cheryl DennisJanuary 6,2025 at 2:31PM UTC

    Weigh the pros and cons. Your age and time in the workforce are important. If you take a $20k cut, do you see opportunities to increase your skillset to regain it in the next few years? I’ve taken pay cuts to get into a certain industry/market because I knew layoffs were coming at my job. It paid off.

    On the other hand, if you are saving for retirement and need to pay off bills, you need to really consider if the cut is worth it.

    if your mental health will be improved working from home, then that’s a pro.

    Bottom line, take out a sheet of paper (yes paper and pen) and write at the top on the left “Pros”. On the right, write “Cons” and carefully think through your life the next five years and write in each column. The answer will come.

16. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 2:34PM UTC

    A year ago I took a job that was almost 30k less than what I was currently making. It was the best decision that I ever made. While it was significantly less money - the environment is so much more healthy. It required some budgeting and sacrifices. But things have been great and it was a much needed change from the job I had been at for 20 years. If you're not working currently - it would be income. Working from home is an additional bonus!

17. Vesela KrastevaJanuary 6,2025 at 3:11PM UTC

    An year ago I took a job that was a 23% cut from my last position ( from which I was made redundant). And despite I could find a role that at least meets my last position, my reasons for accepting this one were:

    - Great culture ( I had a friend working in the team already, so I knew it will be great)

    - Work from home at least 80% of the time.

    - Learning and development opportunities ( for the 1 year I took more professional certifications than in the last 6 years alltogether)

    - Work-life balance (something that I was missing for the last 10 years).

    - A great manager.

    So look at your finances and if the money will still be enough for you so your standard of living does not significantly decrease, then list your pros and cons. It might be a wise decision after all. Less money dont always mean the quality of your life needs to suffer, it might actually improve.

18. Deanna TieronJanuary 6,2025 at 3:18PM UTC

    Without knowing a lot of details, my first inclination is for you to take the job. You would have income, and you would be gaining experience and skills. And if you decide to look for another job, it may look better to hiring managers that you are employed vs unemployed. Is there opportunity for growth there? Are they aware that it would be a $20K cut for you? Maybe you could negotiate to meet in the middle, or an increase with a 6-month review? Maybe sit down with a budget and really nail down how much you used to spend commuting, lunch, clothing, shoes - all the expenses related to working outside of the home. I work from home, and I noticed that I barely wear my "work" clothes, except to go to church. Good luck with whatever you decide!

19. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 5:08PM UTC

    OP: Thank you all and you've given me a lot to consider!

20. Changemaker828603January 6,2025 at 11:56PM UTC

    Take it. I work from home, and will never go back to an office.

21. Chandra GreenJanuary 8,2025 at 5:40PM UTC

    I agree with taking this wonderful opportunity. You won’t regret it. If being remote is your desire. Keep in mind if visibility with senior leadership is important some companies don’t value those of us that work remote. You’ve got to make it work for you. If it’s a tech or startup they will promote you no matter where you are.

    Ask If remote employees are considered for promotional opportunities to help you make a sound decision for your career advancement.

    Hope this helps!